Creamy Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the rich, smooth texture of tomato bisque with the irresistible crunch of grilled cheese croutons. It’s a quick, customizable meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Plus, the soup can be made ahead of time and even frozen for later use!

Ingredients

For the Tomato Bisque:

• Olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (or 4 fresh tomatoes)

• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for vegan version)

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough or your favorite)

• 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or mix)

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil or butter in a large pot. Sauté diced onion until soft, about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2. Cook the Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, and paprika. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.

3. Blend the Bisque: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.

4. Add Cream and Seasoning: Stir in cream, sugar (if needed), salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Prepare Grilled Cheese Croutons: Butter the bread slices, add cheese, cook in a skillet until golden and crispy, then cut into cubes.

6. Serve: Ladle bisque into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons. Garnish with fresh basil or olive oil if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegan: Use coconut milk and plant-based cheese for a vegan version.

• Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or pepper jack cheese to the croutons for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the soup tastes even better the next day!

Can I freeze the bisque?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.

What cheese is best for croutons?

Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or provolone works too.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons is the ultimate comfort meal. It’s rich, creamy, and topped with crispy, cheesy goodness, making it a dish everyone will love!